The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) 2024 examination, conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. Aspiring to become an IAS officer requires dedication, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of the examination process. With the official UPSC notification for IAS Exam 2024 set to be released on 14th February 2024, it’s essential for aspirants to start their preparations early. This comprehensive guide provides insights into the IAS Exam for 2024, including eligibility criteria, exam dates, patterns, and syllabus, to help aspirants embark on their journey towards success.
IAS Exam Pattern Overview
The IAS Exam, also known as the Civil Services Examination, consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Mains Examination (Mains), and the UPSC Personality Test (Interview). These stages test a candidate’s knowledge, analytical skills, and personality traits.
Sl. No. | IAS Exam Paper | Name of the Paper | Nature of the Paper | Duration of the Exam | Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Paper – A | Compulsory Indian Language | QUALIFYING NATURE | 3 Hours | 300 |
2 | Paper – B | English | 3 Hours | 300 | |
3 | Paper – I | ESSAY | MERIT RANKING NATURE | 3 Hours | 250 |
4 | Paper – II | General Studies I | 3 Hours | 250 | |
5 | Paper – III | General Studies II | 3 Hours | 250 | |
6 | Paper – IV | General Studies III | 3 Hours | 250 | |
7 | Paper – V | General Studies IV | 3 Hours | 250 | |
8 | Paper – VI | Optional Paper I | 3 Hours | 250 | |
9 | Paper – VII | Optional Paper II | 3 Hours | 250 | |
TOTAL | 1750 Marks | ||||
Interview or | Personality Test | 275 | |||
GRAND TOTAL | 2025 Marks |
A. Preliminary Examination:
- Date: 26th May 2024
- Two papers: General Studies (GS) and General Studies (CSAT)
- Negative marking in GS paper
- Qualifying nature of CSAT paper
- Cut-off marks determine qualification for Mains
B. Mains Examination:
- Commences on 20th September 2024
- Nine papers, including Compulsory Indian Language and English
- Merit-ranking nature of Essay and General Studies papers
- Final ranking based on Mains and Interview scores
C. UPSC Personality Test (Interview):
- Qualifying for candidates who clear Mains
- Assess personality traits and knowledge
- Held in UPSC Bhavan, New Delhi
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II.IAS Eligibility Criteria and Attempts :
To appear for the IAS Exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizen or PIO
- Age: Between 21 and 32 years (with upper age relaxation for reserved categories)
- Educational Qualification: A graduate degree from a recognized university
- Number of Attempts: Generally, six attempts for the General category, with variations for reserved categories
Candidates should carefully review the eligibility conditions and relaxations applicable to their category.
III. Application Procedure :
The application process for the IAS Exam is conducted online. Aspirants must download their UPSC Admit cards from the official UPSC website. Detailed instructions for the application process, including the release of application forms and deadlines, will be provided in the official UPSC notification for IAS Exam 2024.
IV. IAS Exam Preparation Strategy :
Here are some strategic tips:
- Focus on current affairs from credible sources like PIB, The Hindu, and Yojana.
- Analyze previous years’ questions to understand the exam pattern.
- Study NCERT books and create concise notes for Prelims and Mains.
- Simultaneously prepare for Prelims and Mains, identifying syllabus overlaps.
- Choose an optional subject based on aptitude and interest.
- Refer to standard books for each subject.
- Pay attention to the CSAT paper in Prelims and the Ethics paper in Mains.
- Practice multiple-choice questions for Prelims and answer writing for Mains.
- Revise regularly and update your notes.